Italy Tightens Citizenship Rules, Limiting Access for Descendants of Emigrants

In response to overwhelming applications for citizenship from descendants of Italian emigrants, the Italian government has revamped its citizenship policies, narrowing eligibility criteria exclusively to individuals with Italian parents or grandparents, effective immediately.

People of Italian ancestry have long sought citizenship in Italy, leveraging their family histories to gain access to one of the most powerful passports in the world. This trend has surged recently, leading to a substantial increase in applications that have overwhelmed Italy's courts, consulates, and municipal services.

In a move to manage this influx, Italian officials announced on Friday that they would be tightening the rules governing citizenship applications. The new decree restricts eligibility to those who have Italian parents or grandparents, effectively eliminating a previous provision that allowed individuals to seek citizenship by proving descent from Italian ancestors who were alive after Italy's unification in 1861.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani explained that the reform comes after what he termed “years of abuses” by applicants with minimal connections to Italy, primarily interested in acquiring an Italian passport for travel benefits. “Being an Italian citizen is a serious thing,” Tajani said at a press conference, emphasizing that it should not be reduced to a mere means for shopping or leisure travel.

This legislation reflects Italy’s intention to address the frustrations stemming from a growing number of citizenship applications, particularly from South Americans. The officials hope that by restricting access, they can restore normalcy to processing times and ensure that citizenship is granted to those who have genuine ties to the Italian heritage.